When we say “listen to your heart”, we are not referring to the 80’s rock song. We are instead encouraging everyone and especially women to listen to their body and make cardiovascular health a priority. Each year February is devoted as heart health month. This February let’s collectively become advocates for heart health! By raising awareness and sharing the facts about heart disease, we contribute to the collective effort in combating this silent but deadly disease. In addition to the typical gestures of Valentine’s Day, let’s make a commitment to safeguarding our hearts and the hearts of those we love. Together, we can make a path towards a heart-healthy future and tackle this challenge by saving lives, one heartbeat at a time.

Tips for a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle:

• Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limit the intake of saturated fat, trans fats, sodium, and added sugars.
• Engage in regular exercise. Try to get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week. This can include activities like walking, jogging, swimming, or cycling.
• Achieve and maintain a healthy weight. By adopting a balanced diet and regular exercise, you can achieve and maintain a healthy weight, reducing the strain on your heart.
• Make sleep a priority. Quality sleep is essential for overall health, including heart health. Aim for 7-9 hours of restful sleep every night to allow your body and heart to recharge, recover and refresh.
• Chronic stress can negatively impact heart health. Incorporate stress-reducing activities such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises into your daily routine.
• Schedule regular health check-ups to monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and overall cardiovascular health. Early detection and management of risk factors can lower the risk of heart disease.
• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol to further embrace a heart healthy lifestyle.

This February let’s make a commitment to prioritize our heart health. By embracing a heart-healthy lifestyle, and supporting each other in making positive choices, we can collectively contribute to a world where cardiovascular diseases are minimized, and our hearts beat strong and resilient.

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